How to turn your garage into habitable space: the permit logistics

(Information provided by: Theo Lawrence, City of Scarborough)

1. First be sure that you have the space to provide a new location to park your car, or space for a car-port, that is located behind the main front wall of your house (this is the definition of a "parking spot" by the City).  You will not be considered for a permit until this criterion has been met.

Neither your driveway nor on-street parking are viable alternatives, as they are not permitted as parking spaces in the by-law.  (There may be exceptions to this in some areas of the city so it’s worth looking into by making a quick call to your city’s zoning officer.  But as a rule on-street parking is not permitted).

2. Then apply for ONE building permit to do TWO things:

• Renovate your garage into habitable space
• To build a new driveway to your new parking space that is behind the main front wall of your house

3. Once you have been granted a permit for this work you must apply for a separate ‘Curb Cut and Paving Permit’ with the transportation department for your new driveway leading to your new parking space.

4. If you don’t meet the above criteria you can always go to Committee of Adjustments (COA) and ask them to overturn the decision so you can proceed.

FYI – Building permit fees are calculated based on the square footage of the area under construction.  In most cities, this fee is $15.08/per square meter.

Top Tips for Winter Entertaining (as seen on CityLine!)

I love to entertain over the holidays but space is always at a premium in my home.  During the summer many get-togethers are brought out into my outdoor gazebo on the deck.  I hate to give up outdoor entertaining, even in the winter, so why not bring your holiday party into your outdoor space.  Here are a few great tips to make outdoor entertaining a success even in the winter.

• Make your entrance inviting – I incorporated a beautiful arrangement and mirrored screen to disguise the BBQ, as well as a pathway filled with lanterns and hanging snowflakes overhead.

• Make it warm and cosy – I covered my existing gazebo with a durable vinyl enclosure, to protect your space from the elements and as a bonus this keeps the racoons off the furniture year round!  (I also added a propane heater to keep everyone warm, but follow the instructions on your heater and check local safety regulations to make sure you have the right ventilation for your space. For added safety, I hid a fire extinguisher in a stocking so its close at hand). Cosy blankets and pillows were piled on the sectional for guests to curl up with.  I added mittens hanging from a found branch as a beautiful decorative touch, but my guests can also use the mittens if fingers get chilly.

• Reuse items that you already have – I repurposed a light fixture from inside, since we have a GFI switch in the gazebo it’s still totally safe.  I also took my old artificial Christmas tree and used it out on the deck, it creates a great focal point and its twinkling lights can be seen while sitting inside the gazebo, last year’s Christmas decorations get repurposed outdoors in the trees and shrubs.  An old tire makes a wonderful swing. I also brought out a coffee table and bar cart from indoors to make entertaining easy.  

• Make it work in all seasons – The beautiful sectional cushions and curtains can work in winter and summer months just switch out some accessories and you’re done.  Most of the foliage in the yard also keeps some leaves to add interest in the winter months.  Peg board can hold Christmas decorations in the winter and vines in the summer (since this is meant for indoor use make sure it is well coated in exterior paint, on both sides, but even still keep in mind its life span is limited).  The pea gravel installed in the place of grass also is great; it requires no watering or maintenance and works in all seasons.